My Approach

There are a lot of different theories on how to escape anxiety…

Which really just means that nothing works all the time. Unlike an infection, for which the treatment of antibiotics works almost every time, and therefore there is only one theory of what will work, in therapy there are no guarantees.

That's why I focus on being up to date with a variety of cutting edge therapy approaches, so I can find the specific one that works for you.

In the sections below you'll find some of the approaches I use and a short description of what they are all about. No matter what you are focusing on in session, my key focus is on workability. The ultimate test of any method is what works in the real world to help you. If you are getting better I do more of the same, if not, that's when I use that information to try something different.

Client Centered Psychotherapy

What is Client Centered Psychotherapy?

Client Centered Psychotherapy is focused on giving you a safe, judgement free, and reflective experience so you can explore your feelings, thoughts, behaviors, external circumstances, and anything else you would like to reflect on. My job is to accept you without negative judgment of your basic worth, and to listen closely and fully to you without trying to change or influence you in any way.

Many people find this experience to be incredibly helpful, as they have a highly skilled listener who helps them explore what is truly bothering them without the risk of being judged or being lectured.

How is Client Centered Psychotherapy used at Escape Your Anxiety?

Client Centered Psychotherapy is the core foundation of all my work.

  • I strongly believe that people thrive when given a chance to make their own decisions and test them out in the real world and discover what works best for them.
  • I strongly believe that one of the keys to therapy is the safety of a judgement free zone, and that shaming is not useful and almost always counterproductive.
  • I strongly believe that we don't have all the answers and that therapy is a process where I use my expertise to help the you discover what works for you.
  • I strongly believe that you have incredibly valuable experience and information about what works for you in your life and taking that information into account is crucial.

ACT – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

What is ACT?

ACT is an approach to treating anxiety and other related mental health issues that is built on a simple observation. For most people, trying to make unpleasant thoughts and feelings 'go away' doesn't actually work and can even make them worse. In either case, it certainly takes away time, focus, and energy that you could be using to live a rich and meaningful life.

In ACT the we identify your core values, and then work to learn how to take action that align with those values even while uncomfortable thoughts and feelings are present.

So in ACT you learn to notice through mindfulness when you are hooked into struggling with thoughts and feelings, drop the struggle, and take action according to your values.

How is ACT used at Escape Your Anxiety?

I use ACT in therapy when the your focus is on changing behavior and regaining functioning. Because the core focus of ACT is not on looking the deeper causes and roots of the issue and is instead focused on living a meaningful life in the here-and-now, it can have rapid and profound effects on behavior and functioning.

At the same time, you might want to focus on deeper reasons and causes to your emotions and behaviors. For that I use an approach that is more in line with your preference.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?

Psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on the causes and roots of anxiety and other mental health issues. It looks at your relationship patterns, the messages your feelings are trying to tell you, and the history of how you learned to be the way you are.

While some psychodynamic approaches take a long time, others are more brief and focused.

How is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy used at Escape Your Anxiety?

I use Psychodynamic approaches and tools strategically and based on your needs. And so while some people are only interested on getting their life back on track, others seek to have an experience of deeper healing and understanding of their emotional responses. Used appropriately, the fruits of this work can be life altering and incredibly powerful. At the same time, it can take time and effort to engage in this type of work.

This decision as to if one wants to use Psychodynamic tools is a very personal choice and one for which I don't believe there is a 'right' answer.

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